Grilling Tips for Beginners: Mastering Summer Barbecues

Grilling is not just a summer tradition for suburban dads; it’s for anyone who loves being outdoors and enjoys smoky, crispy flavors on their meats, vegetables, and fruits. While cooking over a flame can feel intimidating, even for seasoned home chefs, Jess Larson, the founder of Plays Well With Butter, offers tips to improve your grilling skills.

1. Choose Your Grill

Grills typically fall into two categories: gas and charcoal. For those seeking convenience, a gas grill is often the better option. It mimics a kitchen stovetop, allowing you to easily control the flame. “The machine takes out a lot of the guesswork,” says Larson. Simply adjust the dials according to your recipe’s requirements, a practical feature when time is short.

If you’re after a more traditional grilling experience, charcoal grills deliver that classic smoky flavor. Larson notes that, although they require more skill to manage flames, they tend to be more affordable. Once mastered, the charred taste that only charcoal provides is unbeatable.

2. Light Your Fire

Using a charcoal grill means managing your own fire. To simplify, Larson recommends a charcoal chimney. Here’s how to use it:

• Remove the top grill grate.
• Place tinder, like lightly crumpled newspaper, at the bottom of the chimney, add charcoal on top.
• Place the chimney on the grill’s bottom grate and light the tinder with a long lighter.
• Use lighter cubes under the chimney if desired.
• After 10-15 minutes, coals turn gray, indicating they are ready.
• Pour lit coals into the grill and arrange them for desired heat.

If using a gas grill, propane can be purchased at hardware stores, or you may connect directly to a natural gas line if available.

3. Adjust Your Heat

Create temperature zones for different cooking levels on a charcoal grill. Stack more coals for higher heat or fewer for lower heat. Open vents to increase heat by allowing airflow. For precision, place an oven thermometer on the grill.

For meats that dry out easily, start on low heat and finish on high for a charred exterior. Red meat or fish may begin on high heat to sear without fully cooking through.

4. Embrace Ease

Lighter cubes, quick-light charcoal, and pre-marinated meats can simplify grilling. Longer-handled grilling tools, like tongs and spatulas, improve safety. Larson emphasizes a must-have: an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked meats every time.

5. Stay Safe

Always read your grill’s manual for setup and safety advice. Keep the grill in an open area for proper heat dispersion. If a fire gets out of control, simply close the lid and vents to suffocate it. It’s wise to have a fire extinguisher nearby.

Grilling can introduce you to unique flavors while being an enjoyable experience. “It’s about practice,” Larson states. “You’ll get the hang of it quickly.” For more recipes, visit Jess Larson’s Plays Well With Butter, or follow her on Instagram.